Deandre Knowles Killed In Waukegan Motorcycle Accident on Green Bay Road

Wrongful Death - October 27, 2022

Deandre Knowles Died In Waukegan Car Accident While Riding Motorcycle After It Malfunctioned Along Green Bay Road By Suddard Street

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS (October 27, 2022) – A motorcyclist identified as Deandre Knowles died in a Waukegan car accident along Green Bay Road near Suddard Street.

Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place on Sunday morning. Deandre Knowles was riding his 2018 Kawasaki motorcycle when he had some sort of mechanical issue that forced the motorcycle to stop or slow considerably.

The motorcycle was then struck from behind by a 2021 Chevy SUV. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.

Sadly, Deandre Knowles died as a result of his injuries. A full investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Waukegan Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid collisions with motorcyclists.

• Drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
• Drivers should always obey traffic laws.
• Drivers should constantly scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards.

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid accidents. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-710, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than would be reasonable or prudent given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. Even if a driver ahead of them abruptly stops, they should be able to slow down in time to avoid a collision. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that rear-ends another vehicle in their own lane of traffic.

Depending on the facts of any case, the company that created a motorcycle could be liable for a collision. Companies have a legal obligation to create products that are reasonably safe. They must warn consumers about the non-obvious dangers associated with the use of their products. Product liability claims will typically be based on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty of fitness. Negligence claims will typically fall under one of three categories.

• Design Defects: Design defects are inherent and exist before a product is manufactured.
• Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing defects occur during the construction of an item.
•  Marketing Defects: Marketing defects occur when a company fails to properly warn consumers about latent dangers with their products.

There are several known problems with Kawasaki motorcycles in particular. This includes problems downshifting, problems upshifting, gears getting stuck, gears failing to engage and clutch slipping. It can be difficult to know where to begin after any motorcycle accident. But it is important to remember that accident victims do have legal rights. Sadly, though, motorcycle companies will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for collisions. This is why it is so important that evidence is properly preserved after any crash.

Investigating A Waukegan Motorcycle Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Deandre Knowles. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to Waukegan police officials. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.

Do you need more information about a Waukegan motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle safety experts are here to answer questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.